RUBY OLA TRAVAGLIONE

Ruby Ola Travaglione passed away on January 12, 2013 at the age of 89. She was a former resident of Central Valley, NY and Thomasville, GA and more recently Broomfield, CO.

Ruby was born on the Paulk Farm in Willacoochee, Georgia on March 1, 1923, the youngest of 11 children of Joel and Mary Isabelle "Lish" Paulk. Despite the death of her mother at age 12 and a blind father, she continued with her education. She was a star on the girls' basketball team and graduated salutatorian from Willacoochee High School in 1940. Honoring her mother's wishes she received a Nursing Diploma from Macon Hospital in 1944.

She met Anthony Peter Travaglione while he was stationed near Macon during World War II. Ruby married Anthony on January 12, 1946. She worked as a Registered Nurse at many local hospitals including: Goshen Hospital, Tuxedo Hospital, Cornwall, Arden Hill, and Archibold Memorial. Through the years many patients and family members have benefited from her expertise and caring as a nurse. She shared her love of the South and family reunions with her children during her frequent trips to South Georgia. Ruby is survived by her children: Nancy Anderson of Westminster CO; Joan (Ray) Wright of Cypress TX; Diane (Tom) McLaren of Chattanooga, TN; Paul Travaglione of Duluth, MN; her grandchildren: Keith, Ashley, Steven, Katie, Thomas, Anthony and Lillian, her great grandchildren: Jasmine, Kaylee and John; her sister, Rebecca Mathis of Ochlocknee, GA, and many nieces and nephews. Ruby was preceded in death her husband, Anthony; her siblings: Freddie, Gussie, Maysie, Mary Ellen, Jessie, Elijah, Winnie, Nona and John Henry; her granddaughter, Nora.

A celebration of her life will occur August 3rd 2013. A Memorial Mass at St. Patrick Church followed by graveside service at the Cemetery of the Highlands in Highland Mills is planned.